Upcoming Events

Heller Theatre Company is thrilled to announce Heller Shorts 2019 – “Now and Ten.” This is the tenth year for the popular event, and the opening production of HTC’s 2019-2020 season. Script submissions are open to all Oklahoma residents.

For its tenth anniversary, “Shorts” is reflecting on its history and looking toward the future. We will present 10 shorts this year, with 5 ten-minute plays receiving their world premiere alongside 5 of our favorite “Shorts” from the past nine years.

New submissions do not need to follow a particular theme and may be of any genre. Scripts must be no more than ten minutes in length (8 pages max); longer scripts will not be considered. The playwright’s name must not appear anywhere on the script.

Submissions will be accepted March 1-April 15, 2019 at hellershorts@gmail.com and winning playwrights will be notified by the end of May if their script has been chosen for production.

“Second Sunday Serials” allows playwrights to create new works one bite at a time over the course of the season, with audiences watching and deciding what to devour more of each month. Join us in developing episodic theatre that offers continuing sagas, new introductions, and a Choose-Your-Own-Story twist.

“Second Sunday Serials” allows playwrights to create new works one bite at a time over the course of the season, with audiences watching and deciding what to devour more of each month. Join us in developing episodic theatre that offers continuing sagas, new introductions, and a Choose-Your-Own-Story twist.

Coming off the smash success of last year’s “Triple Feature!”(winner of four awards from the 2018 Tulsa Awards for Theatre Excellence [TATE] including Outstanding Original Play, Outstanding Ensemble Cast, and Outstanding Direction), Heller Theatre Company has selected two one-act plays by Tulsa playwrights to continue its mission of supporting original work.

Subtitled The Prairie and La Frontera, “Double Feature!” pairs two world-premiere one-act plays that explore and celebrate diversity, humanity, and building bridges.

“Trade Privileges”written by David Blakely; directed by Michael Wright

Heller Theatre Company’s Playwright-in-Residence and winner of both Outstanding Direction at the 2018 TATEs and Outstanding Original Play at the last two ceremonies, David Blakely presents his latest world premiere one-act. "Trade Privileges" examines race relations among whites, Indians and freed former slaves in Indian Territory in 1859. Though historical, its look at personal and societal conflicts remains timely.

“Niñas de la Tierra” written and directed by Shadia Dahlal

¡Viva la vida! Life is magic. But for immigrants who choose to cross our southern border seeking a better life, the path is filled with danger from humans, and sometimes from supernatural spirits. “Ninas de la Tierra” is a modern Mexican folktale of struggle, survival and magical realism along la frontera.

Performances will be held April 19, 20, 26 & 27 at 7:30PM at Nightingale Theater (1416 E 4th St.).Tickets will go on sale March 1, 2019.

“Second Sunday Serials” allows playwrights to create new works one bite at a time over the course of the season, with audiences watching and deciding what to devour more of each month. Join us in developing episodic theatre that offers continuing sagas, new introductions, and a Choose-Your-Own-Story twist.

“Second Sunday Serials” allows playwrights to create new works one bite at a time over the course of the season, with audiences watching and deciding what to devour more of each month. Join us in developing episodic theatre that offers continuing sagas, new introductions, and a Choose-Your-Own-Story twist.

“Second Sunday Serials” allows playwrights to create new works one bite at a time over the course of the season, with audiences watching and deciding what to devour more of each month. Join us in developing episodic theatre that offers continuing sagas, new introductions, and a Choose-Your-Own-Story twist.

“Second Sunday Serials” allows playwrights to create new works one bite at a time over the course of the season, with audiences watching and deciding what to devour more of each month. Join us in developing episodic theatre that offers continuing sagas, new introductions, and a Choose-Your-Own-Story twist.

“Second Sunday Serials” allows playwrights to create new works one bite at a time over the course of the season, with audiences watching and deciding what to devour more of each month. Join us in developing episodic theatre that offers continuing sagas, new introductions, and a Choose-Your-Own-Story twist.

Sovereignty

The personal and the political are one and the same in the deeply moving, daring drama from native Oklahoman playwright and lawyer Mary Kathryn Nagle. Sovereignty splits its time in two parallel, deeply connected timelines: the early 1830s in Cherokee Nation, and in what is now called Oklahoma in the year 2020. In the first, tensions rise as Andrew Jackson’s White House threatens to remove the Cherokee from their land; in the second, Sarah Polson must confront her ubiquitous past in her work as a young Cherokee lawyer fighting for the restoration and preservation of her Nation’s inherent jurisdiction.

Heller Theatre Company has been dedicated to producing compelling and provocative new works that challenge and entertain the audience. While Sovereignty was first produced earlier this year, this run marks the Oklahoma premiere, the play’s setting and the home state of playwright Mary Kathryn Nagle. The story is timely, relevant, and focuses on very real and very painful truths that have been largely left out of the national conversation.

Sovereignty marks the latest in a series of plays Heller Theatre Company is producing that highlight plays by and featuring women and people of color. We are dedicated to supporting and magnifying the voices of the marginalized through these powerful and well-written works.

Performances will be held Oct. 26, 27 & Nov. 2, 3 at 7:30PM and Oct. 28 & Nov. 4 at 2:00PM at Tulsa Performing Arts Center in the Liddy Doenges Theater. Tickets are available in advance at tulsapac.com or at 918-596-7111. Card-carrying members of the Cherokee Nation can receive a discount with the promo code “CN2018”. Group rates for 10 or more are also available in person at the PAC Box Office or by phone at 918-596-7109.

This production is made possible through the generosity of the Cherokee Nation, Tulsa PAC Trust, and George Kaiser Family Foundation. Heller Theatre Company is a member of Arts Alliance Tulsa. This show contains mature themes and adult language. For more information, visit www.hellertheatreco.com or check out Heller Theatre Company on Facebook and Twitter.

“Second Sunday Serials” allows playwrights to create new works one bite at a time over the course of the season, with audiences watching and deciding what to devour more of each month. Join us in developing episodic theatre that offers continuing sagas, new introductions, and a Choose-Your-Own-Story twist.

Heller Theatre Company's Episodic Playwriting Workshops will help writers explore stories told in serial format -- with an ending scene that will make audiences want more. The consecutive classes, taught by David Blakely, are free and open to anyone interested in submitting for Heller's Second Annual Second Sunday Serials. It is not mandatory to attend all three workshops.

The classes will be held Saturday October 13, 20, and 27 from 10AM-12PM at Flyloft.

The modern Cliffhanger evolved from the custom of ending most episodes of a serial with a suspenseful scene which left our heroes in peril (often, literally hanging off a cliff). The key to the cliffhanger ending is this:

Join us in kicking the 2018-19 Season off with a bang! The ninth annual "Heller Shorts" festival needs actors of all races, ethnicities, genders, and ages to fill 20+ roles.

This year will feature 7 short plays by local playwrights:"A Dream to Save Your Back" by Riley Van Zee"The Gates of Bliss" by John Fisher"Make a Wish" by Dan Hitzman"The Makeover" by Susan Apker"The Moon is My Neighbor" by Shadia Dahlal"Renovations" by Luke Thompson"Wind and Shadow" by Bradley Sinor

Auditions will consist of cold readings from the scripts. Callbacks TBA.

“Second Sunday Serials” allows playwrights to create new works one bite at a time over the course of the season, with audiences watching and deciding what to devour more of each month. Join us in developing episodic theatre that offers continuing sagas, new introductions, and a Choose-Your-Own-Story twist.

Heller Theatre Company’s dedication to fostering local playwrights takes us to our most daring and unique project yet. “Second Sunday Serials” allows playwrights to create new works one bite at a time over the course of the season, with audiences watching and deciding what to devour more of each month. Join us in developing episodic theatre that offers continuing sagas, new introductions, and a Choose-Your-Own-Story twist.

Second Sundays will have 5 short pieces competing for bragging rights and royalties. With only 3 audience favorites moving forward to the next installment, plays that don’t move on will be replaced by new pieces alongside the returning stories. While there is a serialized nature to the plays, each returning piece is a self-contained scene and short recaps will be provided to the audience to keep you in the know. What happens next? Find out on Second Sundays!

For consideration in each month’s event, plays must be submitted to secsunsersub@gmail.com by the 1st of that month. There is no submission fee and playwrights may submit up to two scripts each month, though only one can be performed per month. The three playwrights who move on to the following month will receive royalties.

Beginning November 12th, monthly performances will be held on the Second Sunday of Nov., Dec., Jan., Feb., March and May at 7:30PM at Agora Event Center, 1402 S Peoria, #200. Ticket admission fee is only $5 per person, per month, and tickets are available at the door. Cereal snacks and alcohol will be available.

These plays may contain mature content and adult language. This production is made possible through the generosity of the George Kaiser Family Foundation. Heller Theatre Company is a member of Arts Alliance Tulsa. For more information, visit www.hellertheatreco.com or check out Heller Theatre Company on Facebook and Twitter.

Heller Theatre Company’s dedication to fostering local playwrights takes us to our most daring and unique project yet. “Second Sunday Serials” allows playwrights to create new works one bite at a time over the course of the season, with audiences watching and deciding what to devour more of each month. Join us in developing episodic theatre that offers continuing sagas, new introductions, and a Choose-Your-Own-Story twist.

Second Sundays will have 5 short pieces competing for bragging rights and royalties. With only 3 audience favorites moving forward to the next installment, plays that don’t move on will be replaced by new pieces alongside the returning stories. While there is a serialized nature to the plays, each returning piece is a self-contained scene and short recaps will be provided to the audience to keep you in the know. What happens next? Find out on Second Sundays!

For consideration in each month’s event, plays must be submitted to secsunsersub@gmail.com by the 1st of that month. There is no submission fee and playwrights may submit up to two scripts each month, though only one can be performed per month. The three playwrights who move on to the following month will receive royalties.

Beginning November 12th, monthly performances will be held on the Second Sunday of Nov., Dec., Jan., Feb., March and May at 7:30PM at Agora Event Center, 1402 S Peoria, #200. Ticket admission fee is only $5 per person, per month, and tickets are available at the door. Cereal snacks and alcohol will be available.

These plays may contain mature content and adult language. This production is made possible through the generosity of the George Kaiser Family Foundation. Heller Theatre Company is a member of Arts Alliance Tulsa. For more information, visit www.hellertheatreco.com or check out Heller Theatre Company on Facebook and Twitter.

Heller Theatre Company’s dedication to fostering local playwrights takes us to ourmost daring and unique project yet. “Second Sunday Serials” allows playwrights to create new works one bite at a time over the course of the season, with audiences watching and deciding what to devour more of each month. Join us in developing episodic theatre that offers continuing sagas, new introductions, and a Choose-Your-Own-Story twist.

Second Sundays will have 5 short pieces competing for bragging rights and royalties. With only 3 audience favorites moving forward to the next installment, plays that don’t move on will be replaced by new pieces alongside the returning stories. While there is a serialized nature to the plays, each returning piece is a self-contained scene and short recaps will be provided to the audience to keep you in the know. What happens next? Find out on Second Sundays!

For consideration in each month’s event, plays must be submitted to secsunsersub@gmail.com by the 1st of that month. There is no submission fee and playwrights may submit up to two scripts each month, though only one can be performed per month. The three playwrights who move on to the following month will receive royalties.

Beginning November 12th, monthly performances will be held on the Second Sunday of Nov., Dec., Jan., Feb., March and May at 7:30PM at Agora Event Center, 1402 S Peoria, #200. Ticket admission fee is only $5 per person, per month, and tickets are available at the door. Cereal snacks and alcohol will be available.

These plays may contain mature content and adult language. This production is made possible through the generosity of the George Kaiser Family Foundation. Heller Theatre Company is a member of Arts Alliance Tulsa. For more information, visit www.hellertheatreco.com or check out Heller Theatre Company on Facebook and Twitter.

Heller Theatre Company’s dedication to fostering local playwrights takes us to our most daring and unique project yet. “Second Sunday Serials” allows playwrights to create new works one bite at a time over the course of the season, with audiences watching and deciding what to devour more of each month. Join us in developing episodic theatre that offers continuing sagas, new introductions, and a Choose-Your-Own-Story twist.

Second Sundays will have 5 short pieces competing for bragging rights and royalties. With only 3 audience favorites moving forward to the next installment, plays that don’t move on will be replaced by new pieces alongside the returning stories. While there is a serialized nature to the plays, each returning piece is a self-contained scene and short recaps will be provided to the audience to keep you in the know. What happens next? Find out on Second Sundays!

For consideration in each month’s event, plays must be submitted to secsunsersub@gmail.com by the 1st of that month. There is no submission fee and playwrights may submit up to two scripts each month, though only one can be performed per month. The three playwrights who move on to the following month will receive royalties.

Beginning November 12th, monthly performances will be held on the Second Sunday of Nov., Dec., Jan., Feb., March and May at 7:30PM at Agora Event Center, 1402 S Peoria, #200. Ticket admission fee is only $5 per person, per month, and tickets are available at the door. Cereal snacks and alcohol will be available.

These plays may contain mature content and adult language. This production is made possible through the generosity of the George Kaiser Family Foundation. Heller Theatre Company is a member of Arts Alliance Tulsa. For more information, visit www.hellertheatreco.com or check out Heller Theatre Company on Facebook and Twitter.

Heller Theatre Company’s dedication to fostering local playwrights takes us to our most daring and unique project yet. “Second Sunday Serials” allows playwrights to create new works one bite at a time over the course of the season, with audiences watching and deciding what to devour more of each month. Join us in developing episodic theatre that offers continuing sagas, new introductions, and a Choose-Your-Own-Story twist.

Second Sundays will have 5 short pieces competing for bragging rights and royalties. With only 3 audience favorites moving forward to the next installment, plays that don’t move on will be replaced by new pieces alongside the returning stories. While there is a serialized nature to the plays, each returning piece is a self-contained scene and short recaps will be provided to the audience to keep you in the know. What happens next? Find out on Second Sundays!

For consideration in each month’s event, plays must be submitted to secsunsersub@gmail.com by the 1st of that month. There is no submission fee and playwrights may submit up to two scripts each month, though only one can be performed per month. The three playwrights who move on to the following month will receive royalties.

Beginning November 12th, monthly performances will be held on the Second Sunday of Nov., Dec., Jan., Feb., March and May at 7:30PM at Agora Event Center, 1402 S Peoria, #200. Ticket admission fee is only $5 per person, per month, and tickets are available at the door. Cereal snacks and alcohol will be available.

These plays may contain mature content and adult language. This production is made possible through the generosity of the George Kaiser Family Foundation. Heller Theatre Company is a member of Arts Alliance Tulsa. For more information, visit www.hellertheatreco.com or check out Heller Theatre Company on Facebook and Twitter.

Actors of a of all types and ages needed for 8 sort plays by writers from across Oklahoma. Performances are September 8-10 at The Nightingale Theater, 1416E. 4th St., Tulsa. The most fun you'll have in a theater in Tulsa in the summer!

Heller Theatre Company presents the world premiere of "The Light Fantastic Or In the Wood," an original play by Playwright-in-Residence David Blakely. This immersive theater experience also offers sandwiches and cake, along with a bar, so you can enjoy the same treats as the characters.

"The Light Fantastic Or In the Wood" shows us seven denizens of the West End Taproom, each with their sorrows, each with their dreams, with nowhere to go. One of the regulars has stopped showing up and has left instructions what to do. But three strangers, and a priest, walk into the bar and the rest of the evening could be one big joke. Or not.

This year’s extra incentive is that the playwright whose script is selected as “Shorts Idol” by a combination of audience and judge voting, will be commissioned to write a 30 minute play. This play will be produced in spring of 2018 alongside a script by HTC Playwright-In-Residence, David Blakely.

The theme of the production is improbable excuses. Plays may be comic, dramatic or musical, but an outlandish excuse must be highlighted in the script.

Scripts should not exceed 8 minutes in running time (approximately 6-10 pages, depending on the denseness of the language.)

Scripts should be submitted in a standardized playwriting format, with numbered pages.

Although the title of this year’s production is The Dog 8 My Shorts, please, NO live animals on stage.

We love creativity, but please do not use the line “the dog ate my shorts” anywhere in your script!

You may submit two scripts. Scripts should have the name of the play on every page, but NO author’s name anywhere on the script. A cover sheet listing script length, characters, setting, etc. is helpful.

Playwrights will receive compensation for the use of their scripts. ($12 per performance for a total of $36. There will be a “pay-what-you-wish” night for which playwrights will receive additional payment depending on monies received. )

Submissions open March 1, 2017, and scripts in WORD or .pdf format will be accepted until midnight, April 30, 2017 (postmark date) at:hellershorts@gmail.comorHeller Theatre Company – SHORTS1956 Utica Square, #108Tulsa, OK 74114

Notification of script selection will be made by approximately May 31, 2017.

Production dates are September 8, 9 & 10 at Nightingale Theater, with a “pay-what-you-wish” night on Sept. 7.